We give to Wingra becausewe need to supportinstitutions whose mission is tocultivate young leaderswho will act and speak out for social justice, compassion, respect, andthe health of our democracy.– Mark Blitz, Wingra Parent

87%

Tuition only covers a portion of our costs

As in most independent schools, tuition at Wingra School covers only a portion of the cost of educating each student and operating our school (approximately 87%). The Wings for Wingra Annual Appeal helps us bridge this gap. Gifts to the fund are put to immediate use to support key elements of our program, such as maintaining small class sizes, supporting staff salaries and professional development, equipping the classrooms, and providing tuition assistance.

Ways to Support Wingra

Sustaining

Wings for Wingra Annual Appeal supports every aspect of our school, and without it, Wingra would not be able to do what it does every day. Wings for Wingra relies on yearly donations from the Wingra community to help maintain the small class sizes, support staff salaries and professional development, equip the classrooms, and provide tuition assistance. Learn More

Tuition Assistance

Embedded in our philosophy is the belief that a strong school community includes a rich mix of individuals who contribute a variety of talents, backgrounds, experience, and opinions to the learning process. As such, in addition to a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are committed to a tuition assistance program that offers access to a Wingra education to families across socio-economic lines. Learn More

Meet Me Outside

We hope to transform our outdoor play space to match our philosophy of outdoor education and play. In order for that to happen in the summer of 2018, we need to raise $150,000 by April 2018, so our contracts can be signed. Join us on the Meet Me Outside Facebook page to stay updated on this exciting project. Learn More

We support Wingra School because our future needs students who are curious, capable, and committed to creating a better world.

“Wingra kids feel safe expressing their true selves and believe in others without expectation or judgment. They encourage that expression in all of us. I am thankful to each Wingra staff member, parent, grandparent, and community member for making our values a reality.”
– Andrew Carne, Wingra Graduate 1988, current Wingra Parent

Katie Dowling-Marcus & Ben MarcusWingra Family

Wingra kids get a great academic education and become lifelong learners. Woven into this education, kids learn to respect one another, to be good listeners, to collaborate, and to cooperate. This is why each year we give to Wings for Wingra.

Lynn & Tom HirschWingra Grandparents

When I walk in the doors of Wingra, I see and hear happy, inquisitive, caring kids and teachers. Kids are taught how to be respectful and listen to those that might be different from them. I give because it is too important not to. It’s the future.

Beth & Tim RogersWingra Family

Every year we support the Wings for Wingra Annual Fund so that Wingra students—both present and future—will continue to benefit from all of the amazing elements of a Wingra education.

Christen & Joe RingWingra Family

The depth of process that Wingra utilizes to help students maximize and tailor their education and learning experience is impressive and very rare in today’s educational climate. We are forever grateful and will continue to support Wingra in the future.

Mark & Debbie BlitzWingra Family

We give to Wingra in order to provide the necessary resources that help Wingra teachers maintain the autonomy needed to apply effective teaching practices that promote authentic learning.

Wings for Wingra

The Wings for Wingra Fund is a yearly effort to raise funds to support the people and the program that makes Wingra School such a great place. Each year, Wingra parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, staff and friends participate in this community-wide effort to ensure that every student receives the best educational experience possible.

Why Not Raise Tuition?
Wingra School strives to keep tuition as affordable as possible. It has always been a value to have our school community reflect a wide diversity of racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. In addition, gifts to Wings for Wingra Annual Appeal are tax-deductible while tuition is not.

Why Is Participation Important?
Participation in the Wings for Wingra Appeal unites us in supporting a place that we all love and demonstrates commitment to furthering our mission. It also encourages others to join us in supporting our school. Each year, we strive to achieve 100% participation from the board members, parents, and staff.

How Much Do We Donate?
Any gift—no matter its size—is appreciated and makes a real impact for our students and staff. Wings for Wingra gifts range from $1 to $25,000. We hope that each donor gives as generously as possible within his or her means. Give now!

What Period Does the Wings for Wingra Appeal Cover?
The Wings for Wingra Appeal starts on July 1 of each year and closes on the following June 30.

Wingra School is a 501(c) (3) organization and all gifts to Wingra School are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Joyce Perkins Tuition Assistance Fund

We established the Joyce Perkins Tuition Assistance Fund in 1987 to open our doors to as many families as possible. Named after a beloved former Wingra School Director, the Joyce Perkins Tuition Assistance Fund has provided over $3 million in tuition assistance over the last 30 years.

The Wingra community has worked hard and contributed generously over the years to continually increase the amount of aid available. The amount awarded has grown each year, and currently 20% of our students receive tuition assistance.

Trivia Night, held each spring, directly benefits the fund. We accept donations to this fund year round too. Please contact Mary Campbell, Sustainability and Stewardship Coordinator, to learn more about donating to support tuition assistance.

Meet Me Outside

“When we tug at a single thing in nature, we find it attached to the rest of the world.” —JOHN MUIR

Several years ago, the seed of an idea began to sprout…what if we transformed our play space to match our philosophy of outdoor play and education? With Wingra student ideas as our foundation, we asked ourselves “what if?” What if we had a stage for graduation, concerts, and impromptu recess productions? An area for making music? A place for the community to gather? Gardens our kids could plant and nurture? Perhaps an orchard? We combined the art of the possible with what we know about kids and play. And just like that, we created a nature playscape full of magic and wonder—places to explore, gather, and grow.

Madison City Parks will renovate their portion of the back playground beginning in June 2018—and we plan to start then, too. In order for that to happen, we need to raise $150,000 by April 2018 for Phase 1 and so our contracts can be signed and materials ordered. We can do this.

Will you “Meet Me Outside”? Together we can make this happen, not only for current students but for future generations. Give now!

Your gift makes a tangible impact now and in the future.

Additional Opportunities for Giving

Attend an Event

Trivia Night, held each spring, provides the community with a joyful way to work together to benefit Wingra and our Joyce Perkins Tuition Assistance Fund. In addition or in lieu of attending, you can sponsor our event and/or donate items for our silent and live auctions.

Shop & Earn

Shop with AmazonSmile and the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase to the charity of your choice. Simply choose Wingra School.

Clip the Box Tops for Education coupon from hundreds of participating products and send them to Wingra. Each one is worth $0.10 to our school.

More locally, buy gifts cards to Willy Street Co-op and the Co-op will donate 9% of the proceeds to Wingra. Gift cards are sold at Wingra each month during the school year. Call the school to learn more and purchase your card today!

Matching Gifts

Does your employer encourage giving? Taking advantage of your employer’s matching gift program doubles the impact of your gift to Wingra. Check with your human resources department if you are unsure whether your company participates in a matching program.

Planned Giving

Planned giving allows you to support our school through deferred gifts such as trusts, charitable gifts annuities, insurance policies, and bequests. Most planned gifts generate tax savings for you while being extremely beneficial to Wingra. We can work with you and your financial advisor to create the planned gift that best fits your financial circumstances.

Gifts-In-Kind

Gifts-In-Kind are non-cash donations, which fulfill specific needs approved by the school such as computers, office furniture, classroom supplies, landscape material, athletic equipment and many other items that can support the curriculum, activities, and facilities. Reach out to the school if you have items you’re interested in donating in-kind.

Would you like to learn more?

Community Involvement

Are you a local business in need of a performance space? A local artist, musician, or gardner who enjoys collaboration? Email christine@wingraschool.org with any ideas. It’s important to stay connected.